Biblical Account:
The account of Jesus at age twelve in the temple is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 2:41-52. This passage provides a unique glimpse into the early life of Jesus, offering the only canonical insight into His childhood beyond the infancy narratives. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the passage reads:

"Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Feast. When those days were over and they were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware He had stayed. Assuming He was in their company, they traveled on for a day before they began to look for Him among their relatives and friends. When they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers. When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. 'Child, why have You done this to us?' His mother asked. 'Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.' 'Why were you looking for Me?' He asked. 'Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?' But they did not understand the statement He was making to them. Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

Cultural and Religious Context:
The event takes place during the Feast of the Passover, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It was customary for Jewish families to travel to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast, and it was a time of great religious significance. At the age of twelve, Jesus was on the cusp of Jewish manhood, a time when a boy would begin to take on more religious responsibilities and prepare for his Bar Mitzvah, which traditionally occurs at age thirteen.

Significance of the Temple:
The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship and religious life. It was a place where sacrifices were offered, and the Law was taught. Jesus' presence in the temple, engaging with the teachers, highlights His deep connection to His Jewish heritage and His early understanding of His divine mission. His interaction with the teachers demonstrates His exceptional wisdom and insight, even at a young age.

Theological Implications:
This passage is rich with theological significance. Jesus' response to Mary and Joseph, "Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?" (Luke 2:49), reveals His awareness of His unique relationship with God the Father. It underscores His divine sonship and foreshadows His future ministry. The astonishment of the teachers and His parents at His understanding and answers points to His divine wisdom and the fulfillment of His role as the Messiah.

Mary's Reaction:
Mary's reaction to finding Jesus in the temple is one of astonishment and concern. Her question reflects a mother's anxiety, yet it also opens the door to a deeper understanding of Jesus' identity and mission. The text notes that Mary "treasured up all these things in her heart" (Luke 2:51), indicating her ongoing reflection and contemplation of the events surrounding her Son.

Growth and Obedience:
The passage concludes with a note on Jesus' growth: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52). This statement emphasizes His human development and His obedience to His earthly parents, aligning with the biblical theme of honoring one's father and mother. It also highlights the balance of His divine nature with His human experience, preparing Him for His public ministry.